Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 183

Magnus had barely finished speaking.

A flicker of hurt flashed in Isadora's eyes.

She wondered if she'd lost her mind-why else would she let herself hope, even

for a second, that Magnus might choose her this time?

But Elise's eyes lit up with triumph. The corners of her lips curled into a sly, satisfied smile as she shot Isadora a sideways glance. That look said everything: "Isadora, you'll always be the loser here."

The kidnappers dragged Elise forward. One of them quickly stooped to scoop up the bag of cash, then shoved her ahead.

The moment they loosened their grip, Elise darted straight into Magnus's arms, wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, and buried her head in his chest. "Magnus, thank you I knew you'd never abandon me," she whispered.

Magnus stood stiffly, arms hanging rigid at his sides, radiating a barely contained fury. He didn't return Elise's embrace; his fists clenched so tight his knuckles whitened.

In that instant, he thought he saw a fleeting mix of scorn and disappointment in Isadora's gaze.

Magnus's heart had never hurt like this. It felt as if a blade had been driven straight through it, leaving him raw and trembling, his whole body wracked with pain.

a sense of finality, that he

kidnappers exchanged a quick glance, then dragged Isadora back toward the narrow,

was settling fast. The kidnappers knew the area well. If they managed to slip away now, it would be almost impossible

stuffed with cash, grinning at the sight of thick bundles of bills. Jackpot. Magnus must

along, her hands twisting against the ropes, mind racing for

then turned to Gideon. "Take care of Elise!"

Elise called

go. If

full well what the kidnappers had promised: after they got their money, they'd make sure Isadora was gone for

Gideon's shoulder. "Thank you, Gideon. I won't forget everything you've done for me. You're

the scheming and risk had been worth it. He wrapped his arms tightly around Elise, breathing in the sweet scent of

*

side

snapped, yanking on the rope around Isadora's

over, not once but twice. Why don't you just come with us instead?" He let out a low, ugly

and Gideon: once they got paid, Isadora was as good as dead. Still, now that they saw her up close-so pretty and delicate they almost felt

beneath a sprawling old tree, far from the main path, and